What Is Multimasking? A Complete Guide to This Customizable Skincare Technique
If you’re passionate about skincare or simply trying to improve your complexion, you’ve likely come across a buzzword that’s been floating around beauty blogs and skincare forums alike: multimasking. This technique isn’t just another passing trend—it’s a smart and tailored approach to facial masking that addresses the specific needs of different areas of your face all at once.
Multimasking allows you to treat oily T-zones, dry cheeks, congested pores, and dull skin in a single skincare session by applying different types of masks to different parts of your face. Think of it as a custom facial, but at home. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this technique—from prepping your skin to choosing the right masks and making sure your skin reaps all the benefits.
What Exactly Is Multimasking?
Multimasking involves using multiple face masks simultaneously on different zones of your face, depending on each area’s unique needs. Instead of applying one mask all over, you apply targeted formulas where they’re most beneficial. For example:
A clay mask on your oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
A hydrating cream mask on your dry cheeks
A brightening mask around dull areas or hyperpigmentation
This targeted approach helps you get maximum benefit from each formula while avoiding unnecessary irritation or over-treatment in areas that don’t need it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Multimasking
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Before you even open a mask packet, make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed. A gentle cleanser removes surface oils, dirt, and makeup, allowing your skin to better absorb the active ingredients in your masks. For even better results, follow with a mild exfoliator to slough away dead skin cells.
A product like Procoal’s Exfoliating Face Scrub, with charcoal beads and light pumice, is ideal for prepping your skin—especially if you’re looking to unclog pores and detoxify the surface before masking.
2. Analyze Your Skin
Look closely at your face and ask yourself:
Is my T-zone shiny or congested?
Are my cheeks dry or flaky?
Do I have redness, acne, or dark spots in certain areas?
Tailoring your masks based on these questions is what makes multimasking so effective. You don’t have to use an entire jar—just dab a small amount in the areas that need it.
3. Choose Your Masks Wisely
Each part of your face may require a different type of care. Here’s a quick guide:
Skin Concern Recommended Mask Type
Oily/Acne-Prone Areas Clay, charcoal, or sulfur masks
Dry Areas Cream, gel, or hyaluronic acid-based masks
Dull Skin Brightening masks with vitamin C or niacinamide
Redness/Sensitivity Soothing masks with aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula
Mix and match based on your skin’s needs.
Pro Tips for Multimasking Like a Pro
4. Apply Strategically
Use a flat brush or clean fingers to apply each mask in the correct zone. Don’t worry about neat lines—just be intentional about placement.
5. Shower First (Optional but Effective)
A warm shower before applying your masks can help open pores, allowing active ingredients to penetrate more effectively. The steam creates an ideal environment for maximum absorption.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Sheet Masks
Multimasking doesn’t have to be limited to traditional cream or clay masks. Sheet masks can also be snipped into smaller pieces and applied to targeted zones. For example, Procoal’s Marine Moisture Sheet Mask is great for dry cheeks and forehead. Just cut what you need and keep the rest chilled in the fridge—it can last for several days.
7. Layering Is Allowed
Masks don’t have to be used all at once. You can start with a detox mask, remove it, and follow up with a hydrating sleep mask. This sequence ensures deep cleansing followed by replenishment—ideal for combination or breakout-prone skin.
8. Time It Right
Not all masks have the same application time. Clay masks might need 10–15 minutes to dry, while hydrating masks can sit longer. Apply masks with longer durations first, then add quicker-setting ones later. This way, you can rinse everything off at the same time.
Aftercare: The Often-Overlooked Final Step
Once you’ve rinsed off your masks, resist the urge to just walk away. This is the perfect time to lock in hydration and nutrients.
Apply a serum suited to your overall skin goal (hydration, brightening, anti-aging, etc.)
Follow with a moisturizer to seal everything in
If it’s daytime, finish with sunscreen—even after indoor masking!
How Often Should You Multimask?
Multimasking is incredibly effective, but don’t overdo it. Two to three times a week is enough for most skin types. Overmasking can disrupt your skin barrier and cause more harm than good. The key is consistency and moderation.
Cost-Saving Tips for Multimasking
It’s true—using multiple products can get expensive. To keep costs manageable:
Use sample sizes or travel kits
Stick to trusted products you know work well with your skin
Avoid overapplying—you only need a thin layer on each targeted area
Also, remember you don’t have to use five masks at once. Even two masks used strategically can be just as effective.
Why Multimasking Is Worth It
Multimasking isn’t just a trendy ritual—it’s one of the most efficient ways to address multiple skin issues in a single session. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dryness, or dullness, this customizable method ensures your skin gets the care it needs, exactly where it needs it.
Plus, it turns skincare into a spa-like experience, making your self-care routine more enjoyable and personalized.
In Summary: Multimasking 101
Cleanse and exfoliate your face before masking
Assess your skin’s specific needs by zone
Choose masks tailored to each area (clay for oily, cream for dry, etc.)
Apply strategically, and layer or time if needed
Always follow up with a serum and moisturizer
Don’t overdo it—2–3 times a week is ideal
Multimasking might take a little extra effort, but once you see how well it works, it’ll quickly become your favorite part of the week.
Would you like a custom multimasking routine based on your skin type?
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
